Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

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MISSISSIPPI COMMISSION ON WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS

Title 40: Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Part 3: Fisheries

Part 3, Chapter 1: General regulations on fishing in public waters and related matters.

Rule 1.1 Regulations Regarding Prohibited or Invasive Species. Public Notice F2 1405 is hereby amended.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to transport into the state, offer for sale or have in their possession within the state live forms of the following fishes:

Scientific names, Genus names or Family Common Names name

Clarias batrachus Walking Catfish

All species in the Genera Pygocentrus, Pristobrycon,Pygopristis, Serrasalmus Piranhas

All species in the Family Channidae Snakeheads

All species in the Family Synbranchidae Swamp Eels

B. Any person or persons having these species in their possession shall immediately notify the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks of such possession.

C. Conservation Officers shall take possession of these fishes and dispose of them in any humane manner to prevent their introduction into any waters within the State of Mississippi.

D. Except for legally permitted aquaculture facilities, it shall be illegal for any person, firm, company or agency to stock, release or cause to be released into any private or public pond, lake, stream, river or any other water body within the state any nonnative aquatic species as defined in Section 49-7-1 except for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) goldfish (Carassius auratus), koi (Cyprinus carpio), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) may only be stocked in private ponds but not in any other water body unless as specified in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-80.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-80.

Rule 1.2 SHOOTING PROHIBITED AT PUBLIC ACCESS. Public Notice 1664 is hereby amended.

BE IT ORDERED effective this date that the discharging of firearms of any type and for any purpose on the public access areas, commonly called boat launching ramps, owned or leased by the Commission, on the lakes and streams of Mississippi, is hereby prohibited.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29 and 49-4-4.

RULE 1.3 REGULATIONS REGARDING SPORT FISHING. Public Notice F12 3428 is hereby amended.

A. The following rules and regulations relative to sport fishing are adopted:

1. Each person with a valid sport fishing license or those exempt under 49-7-5 may fish no more than 100 single hooks(in aggregate) among the following devices as described:

a. Sport fishing trotlines, throwlines, limblines, and set hooks may have no more than a total of 100 single hooks in aggregate and these hooks shall be spaced at least two (2) feet apart and fixed to where they cannot slip together.

b. No more than a total of 25 yo-yos may be fished by an individual. No more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to a yo-yo. When fished on a line, yo-yo's, limblines, and set hooks must be attached at least two (2) feet apart and fixed so that they cannot slip together.

c. No more than 25 free floating fishing devices (FFFD) (Jugs) may be fished by an individual. Also, no more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to each of these devices. In Mississippi waters that border adjacent states, the legal number of FFFDs shall be that of the adjacent state or the Mississippi limit, whichever is greater, not to exceed 50 FFFDs by any individual.

d. On Eagle Lake in Warren County, Lake Washington in Washington County, Sardis Lake in Panola, Lafayette and Marshall Counties, Enid Lake in Lafayette, Panola and Yalobusha Counties, Grenada Lake in Grenada, Calhoun and Yalobusha Counties and Arkabutla Lake in Tate and Desoto Counties, all Yo-Yos and FFFDs must be legibly marked with either waterproof ink, stamped, or tagged to show the angler’s full name and residence address with zip code. Yo-Yo tags shall be attached above water line and furnished by the angler.

e. Yo-yos & FFFDs must be attended during daylight hours on borderline waters between Arkansas and Mississippi, Eagle Lake, Lake Washington, Sardis Lake, Enid Lake,Grenada Lake and Arkabutla Lake. Attended means devices must remain in sight of the angler during daylight hours. These devices may be fished at night without attendance.

2. Legal sport fishing trotlines and/or throwlines, set hooks, limblines, FFFDs, and yo-yos may not be fished in the waters listed below.

a. Ross Barnett Reservoir that portion of the reservoir north of the main dam and to a line between the point where Twin Harbors channel enters the main lake under the Natchez Trace in Madison County and the Fannin Landing boat launch in Rankin County, as well as that “the portion of Pelahatchie Bay within one hundred (100) yards from the shoreline of any residence on Pelahatchie Bay and within any marked navigational channel,” also such fishing is prohibited within one hundred (100) yards of any sandbar or in any marked navigational channel between State Highway 43 and Ratliff Ferry.

b. Sardis Lower Lake from the outlet structure to Spaulding Creek (Barrow Lake); however, FFFDs are permitted in the Barrow Lake area.

c. Bay Springs Lock from outlet downstream to Mississippi Hwy 4 overpass.

d. Lock "E" from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 406.

e. Lock "D" from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 398.

f. Lock "C" from spillway outlet downstream to Hwy 78 overpass.

g. Lock "B" from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 375.

h. Lock "A" from spillway outlet downstream to Hwy 6 overpass.

i. Aberdeen Lake from spillway outlet downstream to U.S. highway 45 overpass, including the auxiliary spillway and associated bank fishing access area in the Tombigbee River cutoff below the dam.

j. Columbus Lake from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 334, including the auxiliary spillway and associated bank fishing access area in the Tombigbee River Cutoff below the dam.

k. Spillways of Ross Barnett and Okatibbee Reservoirs, Grenada, Enid, Sardis and Arkabutla Lakes from spillway outlets to the end of rip rap.

l. Bluff Lake spillway in Noxubee County

m. Lowhead dam on Ross Barnett Reservoir from the dam to the end of the Idle Speed Only/No Wake Zone area downstream of the dam.

3. The following regulations apply in the waters listed below:

a. Anglers fishing these waters may use no more than one (1) pole or rod per person except for those persons fishing in 3C.

b. December 1 until the last day of February, anglers may use no more than two (2) single hooks no larger than #2. No bare or baited treble hooks are allowed.

c. From March 1 until November 30, anglers may use no more than two (2) single hooks of any size. No bare or baited treble hooks are allowed.

d. Hooks must be secured at least one inch apart.

e. Artificial lures can have no more than three (3) treble hooks with no larger than # 2 hooks and may be fished year around.

f. No other gear can be used in these waters except for the gear permitted for bait.

g. Rules 3.a through 3.f shall apply to the following waters:

i. Spillways of Ross Barnett and Okatibbee Reservoirs, Grenada, Enid, Sardis and Arkabutla Lakes from spillway outlets to the end of rip rap.

ii. Bluff Lake spillway in Noxubee County

iii. Lowhead dam on Ross Barnett Reservoir from the dam to the end of the Idle Speed Only/No Wake Zone area downstream of the dam.

iv. Aberdeen and Columbus Spillways.

4. Buffalo, carp, gar, catfish, shad and bowfin may be taken throughout the year with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or gig. Catfish may be taken with spear or gig during the period from July 16 – April 30. Persons taking fish using any of these gears must have a valid sport fishing license or be exempt under 49-7-5.

5. The taking of non-game gross fish only by hand or rope (no attachments) is legal during the statewide season from May 1 to July 15. However, it is unlawful to alter any natural areas by placing of boards, wire or any other obstruction to said logs, holes etc. or to take fish from such altered devices. Also, it is unlawful to raise any part of a natural or artificial device out of the water thereby aiding in the capture of enclosed fish. Only wooden containers may be used. It is unlawful to place structures such as plastic or metal barrels, hot water tanks, concrete pipe, tires and other non-biodegradable materials in any public waters of the state. Any person grabbling for fish must have a valid sport fishing license. It shall be illegal to place any cavity-type structure, intended to be used for hand grabbling purposes, in all Mississippi water of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

B. Fish Attractors:

1. It shall be unlawful to place structures such as plastic or metal barrels, plastic or metal pipes and tubing larger than 4 inches in diameter, hot water tanks, concrete pipe and

4 tires and any other nonbiodegradable material into the public waters of the state for use as fish attractors.

2. However, wooden materials and plastic tubing and pipe materials may be used as fish attractors provided that the plastic materials are no larger than 4 inches in diameter. Concrete, rope, wire and nails may be used to construct fish attractors. It is legal to place such fish attractor materials into the public waters of the state provided written permission to do so is obtained from the federal or state agency which owns the specific water body.

3. The person placing fish attractor materials into the public waters of the state must carry a copy of the written permission on them at all times when transporting and placing such material.

C. Crawfish and freshwater shrimp.

1. A sport fishing license is required to harvest freshwater crawfish and freshwater shrimp for personal use.

2. A commercial fishing license is required to sell freshwater crawfish harvested from public waters.

3. Crawfish and shrimp traps fished in public waters shall be marked with a waterproof tag provided by the fisherman, which contains the fisherman’s full name and MDWFP Customer ID number.

4. Legal gear:

a. Crawfish traps are any device constructed of coated wire with openings of the throat of flutes not exceeding 2 inches and which are used for the sole purpose of taking crawfish. Crawfish traps are typically of the pillow or pyramid style with a minimum mesh size no smaller than ¾ inch by 11/16 inch.

b. Freshwater shrimp traps: It is unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take Freshwater shrimp by the use of any trap which exceeds the following dimensions: 36 inches long (from rear of the heart to the leading edge of the trap), by 24 inches wide (between the leading edges of the trap, or heart opening), by 12 inches high; or has external or unattached wings, weirs, or other devices intended to funnel shrimp to the trap heart.

D. It shall be illegal to possess on the water, both commercial and sport fishing gear in the same boat.

E. Conservation officers may seize any sport fishing gear determined to be unsafe or illegal or which is not tagged as per these regulations.

F. It is unlawful to take fish from, tamper with or use any sport fishing gear without the consent of the gear’s owner.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-81.

RULE 1.4 STATEWIDE CREEL LIMITS. Public Notices F17-3424 and F-3818 are hereby amended.

A. The following rules and regulations relative to sport fishing are adopted:

1. Statewide creel limits on game and sport fish are as follows:

Species Creel Per Day Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth) 10 * Sauger 10 Walleye 3 ** Striped Bass and Hybrids with 15” minimum size 6 * Crappie (combined black and white) 30 * Bream (combined bluegill, redear and other sunfish) 100 Alligator Gar 2**** Paddlefish 2 ***

2. Creel limits for black bass, bream, crappie, striped bass, and striped bass hybrids in waters touched by the state boundary (border waters) shall be that of the adjacent state, or the Mississippi limit, whichever is greater.

3. Harvest and possession of walleye is prohibited in Davis Lake (Tombigbee NF) and Old Tombigbee River and its tributaries north of Hwy 278 (Monroe, Itawamba and Prentiss Counties).

4. Paddlefish greater than 30” must be immediately released when caught sport fishing in Mississippi. Paddlefish are measured from the front of the eye to the fork of the tail. No paddlefish harvest is allowed in the Tenn-Tom Waterway, Tombigbee River or its tributaries and Pickwick Lake.

5. No Alligator Gar harvest is allowed on Bee Lake in Holmes County.

6. Violation of any of the Mississippi state laws or state regulations pertaining to paddlefish will be considered a Class I offense as specified in Section 49-7-90 of the Mississippi State Code of 1972 as amended.

7. Harvest and possession of all sturgeon species (Alabama, Atlantic, Pallid and Shovelnose) are prohibited in all Mississippi waters.

B. The correct method for measuring fish and the definitions for length limits are as follows:

1. Correct Method for Measuring Fish Length

a. Fish measurements for length limit regulations shall be taken with the total length being measured using a flatboard with fish mouth closed and tail squeezed together to give the maximum over-all measurement.

b. Paddlefish are measured from the front of the eye to the fork of the tail.

2. Minimum Length Limit (MLL)

a. All fish on or less than the regulated size length in inches must be returned to the water immediately after capture and may not be in possession on the designated waters.

b. All fish over the minimum length limit in total length may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

3. Maximum Length Limit (MAXLL)

a. All fish on or more than the regulated size length in inches must be returned to the water immediately after capture and may not be in possession on the designated waters.

b. All fish under the maximum length limit in total length may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

4. Slot Length Limit (SLL)

a. All fish on or between the designated range of lengths in inches must be returned to the water immediately upon capture and may not be in possession on designated waters.

b. All fish shorter than the lowest length limit and all fish longer than the highest length limit may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

5. All freshwater game fish must remain intact (with head, tail, skin and scales) while fishing lakes or waters having an established MDWFP length/slot limit in Mississippi.

C. Crappie Length and Creel Limits

1. Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following length and creel limit regulations shall be in effect for crappie (combined black and white crappie):

Length Lake County Limit Creel Limit Arkabutla Lake Tate, Desoto 12” MLL 20 Enid Lake Yalobusha, Lafayette, Panola 12” MLL 20 Grenada Lake Grenada, Calhoun, Yalobusha 12” MLL 20

Horn Lake Desoto Co. 10” MLL 30 Lake Okhissa Franklin 10”MLL 10 Lake Washington 30 (5under Washington 10” MLL 10”) Moon Lake (includes part 30 (5under Coahoma 10” MLL east of Hwy 1) 10”) Pickwick & Tenn-Tom Hwy 25 in Divide Section to 9” MLL 30 Waterway Aliceville Lock & Dam Sardis Lake Lafayette, Marshall, Panola 11” MLL 15 Spillways of Arkabutla To Prichard Road Bridge 20 Enid To I-55 20 Grenada To Hwy 51 20 Sardis & Barrow Lake To Spaulding Creek 20

2. Each person with a valid sport fishing license or those exempt under 49-7-5 may fish no more than five (5) poles or rods with two (2) hooks or lures per pole while fishing on Arkabutla and Enid. Each person with a valid sport fishing license or those exempt under 49-7-5 may fish no more than three (3) poles or rods with two (2) hooks or lures per poles while fishing on Sardis and Grenada Lake.(Lakes & counties noted above).

3. The aggregate daily boat creel limit for all species of crappies (white crappie, black crappie and their hybrids) for boats with 3 or more licensed or exempt anglers, the daily boat creel limit shall be 50 legal crappie per boat on the four North Mississippi Flood Control Reservoirs (Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada Lakes) except on Sardis where 3 or more licensed or exempt anglers, the daily boat creel limit shall be 40 legal crappie per boat.

D. Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following length and creel limit regulations shall be in effect for black bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth):

Length Lake County Limit Creel Limit Aberdeen Lake Monroe 14”MLL 10 Arkabutla Lake Desoto, Tate None 7 Atchafalaya Bayou Humphreys None 10 Charles Nix WMA Ponds Panola None 0 Columbus Lake Lowndes, Monroe, Clay 14”MLL 10 10(1 over 22”) Davis Lake Chickasaw Co 18-22”SLL

Length Lake County Limit Creel Limit Elvis Presley State Lake Lee None 30 Enid Lake Yalobusha, Lafayette, Panola None 7 Grenada Lake Grenada, Calhoun, Yalobusha None 7 Holmes County State PK Holmes None 10 Lake Bill Waller Marion 18-22”SLL 15(1 over

22”) Lake Bogue Homa Jones 15” MLL 5 Lake Bolivar (Scott, MS) Bolivar None 2 Lake Calling Panther Copiah 20” MAX 30 (1 over LL 20”) Lake Columbia Marion 14-18” SLL 5 (1 over 18”) Lake Jackson Washington None 5 Lake Jeff Davis Jeff Davis 16-20” SLL 15(1 over 20”) Lake Mary Crawford Lawrence None 30 Lake Monroe Monroe None 30 Lake Okhissa Franklin 18-22”SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Lake Tom Bailey Lauderdale 15” MLL 5 (1 over 20”) Lake Washington Washington 15” MLL 5 (2 under15”) Leroy Percy State Park Washington None 5 Little Eagle Lake Humphreys 12” MLL 5 Lowndes State PK Lake Lowndes None 30 Malmaisson WMA Lakes Grenada 15” MLL 2 Moon Lake Coahoma(includes east of Hwy 1) None 5 Natchez State Park Adams 18-22”SLL 7 (1 over 22”) Neshoba Co. Lake Neshoba 16-20” SLL 10 (1over 20”) North Abutment Lake Grenada None 0 George and Jackson Co. Merrill, Ms to Hwy 90 Bridge includes all connected oxbow lakes Pascagoula River 12” MLL 10 and the East and West Pascagoula Rivers and all water areas in between the two said rivers Paul B. Johnson State Park Forrest 18-22”SLL 10 (1over 22”) Pickwick Lake Tishomingo 15”MLL 10 RecCon Lake Bolivar None 2 Ross Barnett Reservoir Madison,Rankin,Leake,Hinds,Scott 12” MLL 7 Sardis Lake Lafayette,Panola,Marshal None 7 Tippah Co. Lake Tippah None 30 Tombigbee State PK Lake Lee None 30 Trace State Park Lake Pontotoc None 30 Wolf/Broad Lake Yazoo, Humphreys 12” MLL 5

E. Channel Catfish Creel and Length Limits

1. Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following creel limit regulations shall be in effect for Channel catfish:

Length

Lake County Limit Creel Limit Charles R. Nix WMA Lks Panola None 5 Lake Okhissa Franklin None 5 ReCon Lake Bolivar None 10 All MDWFP State Lakes Statewide None 10

2. The length limit on catfish (blue, channel and flathead) shall be no more than 1 catfish over 34 inches per person on reciprocated waters with AL, and TN. There is no creel limit on catfish.

F. Creel and Length Limits for Bluegill and Redear: Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following creel limit regulations shall be in effect for Bluegill and Redear:

Length Lake County Limit Creel Limit Charles R. Nix WMA Lks Panola None 10 Lake Okhissa Franklin None 50

G. Be it further ordered that in addition to statewide regulations, persons fishing in the Pearl River from the Ross Barnett Reservoir dam to the City of Jackson water intake may take only one Striped bass or Hybrid striped bass over 24 inches.

H. No person shall take in any one calendar day, more than the daily creel or bag limit of fish. No person shall at any time, by any means, or in any manner, transport more than seven (7) daily creel or bag limits of fish for each qualified angler present in the vehicle. A single angler may only transport his or her own limit(s) of fish, not to exceed seven (7) daily limits.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-90.

RULE 1.5 NORTH MISSISSIPPI FISH HATCHERY FEES. Public Notice F2 3800 is hereby amended.

A. The following regulation(s) on the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Visitor-Education Center fees are hereby adopted.

General Entrance Permits Rate Adult $2.50 Ages 18-60 Senior $2.00 Ages 60 and over Children $2.00 Ages 3-18 Children Free Under 3 Education (school) Groups $2.00 Per student, bus driver and chaperon free Memberships Rate Individual $20.00 Valid one year from date of purchase

Family $32.50 Valid one year from date of purchase Meeting Room Rental Rate 8 AM – 5 PM Without Food* With Food* Per 2 hour period $ 25.00 $ 50.00 Half Day $ 50.00 $100.00 Full Day $200.00 $300.00 Meeting Room Rental Rate After 5 PM Without Food* With Food* Per 2 hour period $ 50.00 $ 90.00 Reception/Party $300.00

B. Food is not provided by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-4-37.

Part 3, Chapter 2. State fishing lakes, and Community Assistance Program lakes.

RULE 2.1 REGULATIONS REGARDING STATE FISHING LAKES. Public Notice F16 3423 is hereby amended.

A. The following regulations are adopted for all State Fishing Lakes owned and/or managed by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. These lakes are: Tippah County Lake, Tippah County; Lake Lamar Bruce, Lee County; Lake Monroe, Monroe County; Lake Tom Bailey, Lauderdale County; Lake Claude Bennett, Jasper County; Lake Prentiss Walker, Smith County; Simpson County Lake, Simpson County; Lake Bogue Homa, Jones County; Lake Mike Conner, Covington County; Lake Jeff Davis, Jefferson Davis County; Lake Mary Crawford, Lawrence County; Lake Walthall, Walthall County; Lake Columbia, Marion County; Lake Perry, Perry County; Lake Bill Waller, Marion County; Neshoba County Lake, Neshoba County; Kemper County Lake, Kemper County; Elvis Presley Lake, Lee County and Calling Panther Lake, Copiah County.

1. In addition to any required license, all persons fishing, boating, hunting, camping or using a pavilion must also have a valid lake permit.

2. The boat operator or another person in the boat is required to purchase a combination Launching/Fishing/Skiing permit.

3. Boat Launching/Fishing/Skiing permit is valid for fishing and boating activities such as skiing, jet skis, sailing, wind surfing, canoeing or any other type of boating.

B. Daily Permits:

1. The following permits are available for the listed fee.

Permit Permit Name Permit

Type Cost 06 Daily Youth Fishing (under age 16) No charge 04 Daily Fishing (No Boat Launching; Ages 16 -64) $5.00 13 Daily Disability/Age exempt Fishing (age 65 and older or $3.00 disabled) 12 Daily Boat Launching/Fishing Disabled/Age exempt $6.00 09 Daily Boat Launching Recreational Boating/Skiing $7.00

2. Persons desiring to purchase Senior Citizen permits must show proof of age.

3. Persons desiring to purchase Disabled permits must provide proof of 100% disability by showing one of the following:

a. Railroad Disability Letter that states “100% Disability”

b. Veterans Administration Letter stating the person as “100% Service Connected Disability”

c. Updated Social Security Form TPQY listing the person as “Disabled Individual”.

C. Annual Permits

1. The following annual permits are available at the listed fee.

Permit Permit Name Permit Type Cost 05 Annual Boat Launching/Fishing/Skiing $102.00 36 Annual Guest Boat Launch/Fishing/Skiing (Ages 16 – 64) (includes all persons in boat) $150.00 14 Annual Exempt Launch/Fish $72.00 37 Annual Guest Disabled/Age Exempt Launch/Fishing/Skiing (includes all persons in boat) $120.00 27 Annual Bank/Pier Fishing (No Boat Launching; Ages 16 - 64) $52.00 19 Disabled/Age Exempt Annual Fishing (No Boat Launching) $32.00 23 Duplicate copy of Annual or Lifetime Permit $7.29

2. All annual permits shall be honored for fishing and boat launching on all State Fishing and State Park Lakes owned and operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

3. All annual permits will expire one year from date of purchase.

4. There are no honor box sales for these permits.

D. Recreational boating and water skiing are authorized from noon to sunset on the

12 following lakes only on the designated days in the designated areas:

Kemper County Lake Everyday Lake Bogue Homa Everyday Lake Claude Bennett Wednesday & Sunday Lake Columbia Wednesday & Sunday Lake Jeff Davis Tuesday & Wednesday

Lake Lamar Bruce Closed Lake Mary Crawford Sunday only Lake Mike Connor Wednesday & Sunday Lake Perry Friday & Sunday Lake Prentiss Walker Friday & Sunday Lake Tom Bailey Sunday only Simpson County Lake Thursday & Sunday Tippah County Lake Saturday & Sunday Elvis Presley Lake Everyday Calling Panther Lake Wednesday & Sunday

E. Camping, Pavilion, Cabin, and Building Rental Permits

1. The following camping permits are available at the listed fee.

Permit Permit Name Permit Cost Type 08 Daily Camping (24 hour period) * $18.00 25 Disabled/Senior Citizen Camping (1 day; age 65 & older)* $13.00 28 Camping - 30 day* $360.00 29 Monthly Disabled/Senior Citizen Camping (30 day; age 65 & $270.00 older)* 26 Primitive / tent camping (1 day, no electricity) $13.00 24 Pavilion with restrooms (1 day) $51.00 10 Pavilion without restrooms (1 day) $36.00 32 Multi-Purpose Building Rental Oktibbeha Co. Lake $150.00 without use of kitchen (1 day) 33 Multi-Purpose Building Rental Oktibbeha Co. Lake $200.00 Including use of kitchen (1 day) 30 Cabins without Linens (week day rate) $65.00 31 Cabins without Linens (weekend rate) $75.00

2. RV Camping rate includes fishing and boat launch (registered campers not to exceed 8 people)

F. Camping Rules

1. Camping shall be confined to the designated campground or designated overflow areas. No more than one camping unit will be allowed on a camp pad without the State Lake Manager’s approval.

2. Camper storage, reservations and reduced rates are not allowed at State Fishing Lakes. Camping reservations are not available at State Fishing Lakes. Reduced daily or weekly rates are not available at State Fishing Lakes.

3. No campsite can be retained without a camping unit (camper or erected tent) placed on the site. All camping fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable and non- transferable. A campsite must be occupied the moment a site is rented.

4. No permanent use of a rentable facility for residence purposes is allowed.

a. “Homesteading” or otherwise using a campground for a sole place of residence is prohibited. The act of Homesteading includes but is not limited to: erecting permanent or semi permanent structures.

b. Cluttering a rented site with garbage, storage containers, boxes, buckets, or other objects is prohibited.

c. The use of appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, or freezers outside of the camper; or parking trailers or extra vehicles is prohibited.

5. A monthly camping rate is available. Monthly camping is restricted to designated sites. a. Ninety (90) days is the maximum allowable stay on a campsite.

b. After 90 days, a camper must leave the campground for 14 days before returning. c. An extension may be granted with approval by the Executive Director or his designee.

d. Extensions will only be approved in ninety (90) day increments.

6. Check-out time is 2:00 P.M.; check-in time is 4:00 P.M.

7. Campgrounds and camp areas are restricted for registered campers and guests only. Guests shall leave the area prior to 10:00 P.M.

8. Camping pads will not be rented to any person under 21 years of age or anyone under the age of 21 allowed to camp without an adult 21 years or older present.

9. Campers, tents, vehicles, children and pets shall not be left unattended.

G. Boating Rules

1. Boats and jet skis must be operated at idle speed which is any speed that does not produce a wake except during skiing periods in designated ski areas. On Kemper County Lake, the idle speed only regulation does not apply to fishing boats.

2. No aqua-aircraft shall land on any State Fishing Lake without written permission from the Executive Director.

3. While operating a pleasure boat on State Fishing Lakes, boats shall operate in a counter clockwise manner.

4. While operating a ski boat on State Fishing Lakes, only one person, skier or tuber per boat will be permitted to be pulled. Tube kites are prohibited.

5. Swimming and wading are prohibited on State Fishing Lakes except in designated ski areas while skiing or jet skiing.

H. Fishing Rules

1. Only rod and reel or pole fishing is allowed on State Fishing Lakes except that carp, gar, buffalo, and bowfin may be taken by use of bow and arrow at night only after purchasing a valid permit for fishing and/or boating. No other gear is allowed at these lakes.

2. There shall be a FREE FISHING weekend on all State Fishing and State Park Lakes. These days will be set on the 1st weekend of National Fishing and Boating Week in June. No state fishing license or lake fishing permits will be required for fishing on these days.

3. Creel limit on catfish will be 10 per day in all State Fishing Lakes. Catfish limits during fishing rodeos at state lakes may be different.

4. Fishing is not allowed from courtesy piers adjacent to boat ramps. Night fishing is allowed at all State Fishing Lakes from the bank or boats which are in compliance with state and coast guard regulations with the exception of Lake Bill Waller.

I. Other Rules

1. Persons who possess a dog or other pet must restrain it on an adequate leash not more than six feet long.

a. Persons allowing animals to disturb other guests will be removed from the lake property.

b. No livestock or other animals, other than horses on designated bridle

15 paths or trails, will be allowed on State Parks or State Lakes except with written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks or his designee.

2. Motorized vehicles shall be allowed only in designated areas.

3. No one shall be permitted on lake property between one hour past sunset and one hour before sunrise without a valid permit.

4. No firearms are permitted at any time on lake property except shotguns on Lake Bogue Homa and Neshoba County Lake during statewide waterfowl seasons (see Federal Regulations).

5. Waterfowl hunters on Lake Bogue Homa, and Neshoba County Lake must have either a daily boat launching/fishing/skiing permit or an annual boat launching/fishing/skiing permit.

6. Possession of alcohol on state lakes is prohibited.

7. Lake Jeff Davis is hereby reopened to fishing and all activities.

a. Youth day will be from 7 am to 3 pm on May 18, 2013 for age 15 and under.

b. Opening day will be 6 am on May 22, 2013.

c. Youth must be accompanied by adult 21 years or older who possesses a valid fishing license.

8. Lake Lamar Bruce shall be closed to fishing and all activities as scheduled by the Bureau of Fisheries. Appropriate signage shall be placed at all access points on lake property informing the public of the closure.

9. Reservations for the Lt. Governor Amy Tuck Multi-Purpose Building at Oktibbeha Co. Lake will be made through the Lake Office. All fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable and non-transferable.

J. Cabin Rules

1. Reservations for cabins will be made through the Lake Office. All fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable and non-transferable.

2. Minimum length of stay from May 15th through September 15th is 3 nights on the weekends, holidays and special events and no minimum during the week (weekend is a Friday and Saturday night stay).

3. Minimum length of stay from September 16th through May 14th is 3 nights on

16 the holidays and special events, 2 nights on the weekends and no minimum during the week (Weekend is a Friday and Saturday night stay).

4. Cabin stay includes fishing, boat launch and skiing. These activities are limited to the registered number of guests per unit. Visitors of the guests must pay for all activities.

5. Units will not be rented to persons under the age of 21, and children will not be left unattended overnight.

6. Check-in time is 3:00 P.M. Check-out time is 11:00 A.M. All fees are payable in advance. Guests arriving after 5:00 P.M. must make prior arrangements with the lake office.

7. Unit guests will be responsible for damages to all units and equipment. No furniture or equipment shall be moved from one unit to another.

8. Certain cabins at state fishing lakes will be held for official state business for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission, Executive Staff, elected officials, and other state employees in the performance of their duties for the State of Mississippi and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The use of these facilities for official state business will require prior approval from the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

9. Pets are forbidden in and around the cabin areas.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29 and 49-4-4.

RULE 2.2 REGULATIONS REGARDING COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LAKES. Public Notice F7 3550 is hereby amended.

A. Only rod and reel or line and pole gear may be used in the following public waters which are open to fishing. Unless otherwise stated, all persons possessing a valid fishing license or who are legally exempt from the license requirements may fish these waters. Boating, swimming, littering and alcoholic beverages are not allowed except where noted. City or county ordinances may also regulate activities at these waters.

1. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Poplarville Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Poplar Springs Lake Largemouth bass 2 Poplarville, Pearl River County Bream 20 Catfish 5

a. Poplar Springs Lake is open to fishing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each week.

b. Poplar Springs Lake is closed to fishing on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week.

2. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Brookhaven Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Brookhaven Fishing Pond Largemouth bass 0 Brookhaven, Lincoln County Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. The Brookhaven Fishing Pond is only be open for fishing to persons 14 years old or younger or handicapped persons of any age as defined in this rule.

3. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits – Olive Branch Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Olive Branch City Park Ponds Largemouth bass 2 Olive Branch, Desoto County Release all bass 15 inches & under Catfish 5

a. Olive Branch City Park Ponds are open to fishing each day.

4. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Carthage Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit McMillian Park Pond Largemouth bass 0 Carthage, Leake County All other species combined 8

a. McMillan Park Pond is open to fishing each day.

5. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Oxford Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Lake Patsy Largemouth bass 0 Oxford, Lafayette County Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. Lake Pasty is only open for fishing to persons 15 years old and younger or handicapped persons of any age, as defined in this rule.

b. Fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset each day.

6. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Tupelo Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Ballard Lake Largemouth bass 5 Tupelo, Lee County Bream 25 Catfish 5

a. Ballard Lake is open to fishing each day from sunrise to 10:00 p.m.

7. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Hattiesburg Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Forrest County Lake Largemouth bass 5

Hattiesburg, Forrest County Bream 20 Catfish 5

a. Forrest County Lake is open to fishing on Thursday and Friday of each week and only to persons fourteen (14) years old or younger or handicapped persons of any age as defined in this rule.

b. All minors must be accompanied by a supervising adult and handicapped persons in need of personal assistance must provide such.

c. The lake is open to the general public for fishing on Saturday of each week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

d. The lake is closed to fishing Sunday through Wednesday, except for special events at the discretion of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors.

8. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Clarksdale Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Coahoma County Lake Largemouth bass 5 Clarksdale, Coahoma County Bream 20 Catfish 5

a. Coahoma County Lake is open to fishing each day from sunrise to sunset.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors for special events.

9. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits – Walnut Grove Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Willow Lake Largemouth bass 0 Walnut Grove, Leake County All other species combined 8

a. Willow Lake is open to fishing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from sunrise to sunset.

10. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Hernando Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Lee’s Summit Park Lake Largemouth bass 0 Hernando, Desoto County Bream 100 Crappie 30

a. Lee’s Summit Park Lake is open to fishing each day from sunrise to sunset.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Hernando Parks and Recreation Department for special events.

11. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Pascagoula Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Whitehead Lake Largemouth bass 0 Pascagoula, Jackson County Bream 0 Catfish 5

a. Whitehead Lake is open to fishing each day.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Pascagoula Parks and Recreation Department for special events.

12. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Pascagoula Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Chateau Lake Largemouth bass 0 Pascagoula, Jackson County Bream 0 Catfish 5

a. Chateau Lake is open to fishing each day.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Pascagoula Parks and Recreation Department for special events.

13. Community Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Byram Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Lake Dockery Largemouth bass 5 Byram, Hinds County Bream 25 Catfish 5

a. Lake Dockery youth day opening is May 4, 2013 and opening day for the public is May 5, 2013.

b. Lake Dockery is open to fishing each day from 30 minutes before dawn until 30 minutes before sunset. c. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Byram for special events.

d. See posted use rules at lake.

B. The term “handicapped persons” used in this Public Notice means paraplegics, hemiplegic, anyone permanently dependent upon a wheelchair for mobility, anyone who requires the permanent use of braces, full prosthesis or crutches for walking or blindness.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29 and 49-4-4.

Part 3, Chapter 3: Regulations regarding commercial fishing.

Rule 3.1 REGULATIONS REGARDING COMMERCIAL FISHING. Public Notice F7 2999 is hereby amended.

A. The following rules, regulations and required licenses relative to freshwater commercial fishing, commercial fishing equipment tags, and wholesale minnow dealers are hereby adopted for all residents and non-residents for public waters identified in MISS. CODE ANN. §51-3-1.

B. Non-game gross fish, non native fish, minnows, non-game fish, crawfish may be taken and sold from freshwaters of Mississippi, except in those waters specifically closed to freshwater commercial fishing gear as stated herein.

C. LICENSES

1. Persons who engage in the following activities must have a freshwater commercial fishing license:

a. Fish freshwater legal commercial fishing gear (hoop or barrel nets, gill or trammel nets, slat baskets or trotlines with more than 100 hooks in aggregate)

b. Selling, reselling, or purchasing for re-sale non-game gross fish, or nonnative fish.

c. Sell minnows at wholesale (with the exception of those MS residents growing minnows on their own property, Section 49-7-29) or sell minnows or nongame fish captured from the wild. Minnows are defined as golden shiners, fathead minnows, goldfish, emerald shiner, and mosquitofish.

d. Harvest common snapping turtles (PN 3201)

e. Selling, reselling or exporting for sale across stateliness crawfish taken from the public waters of the state.

2. Persons who use gill nets, trammel nets, commercial trotlines, or hoop nets must have a commercial fishing equipment tag for each piece of commercial fishing equipment,. in addition to a valid Freshwater Commercial Fishing License.

3. Any person using a slat basket in Mississippi waters must have a valid Slat Basket License and a Slat Basket Tag for each slat basket in addition to having a valid Freshwater Commercial Fishing License.

4. LICENSE AND TAG COSTS: The following licenses are available at the listed price.

Commercial Fishing License Types Cost Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License $30 Nonresident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License $200 Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag (for each piece of gear) $3 Reciprocal Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag $3 Slat Basket License (for each basket and in addition to freshwater commercial license and $30 slat basket tags) Slat Basket Tag (for each basket) $3

(Prices listed do not include processing fees or agent fees.)

5. A person holding a Freshwater Commercial Fishing License can be assisted by a helper who has any valid license issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries & Parks.

a. Persons exempt under 49-7-9(1c) who wish to serve as a Helper to a licensed commercial fisherman are exempt from License requirement.

b. Helpers who do not have a commercial fishing license cannot sell, resell or ship for sale nongame gross fish or non native fish.

6. Neither a license or tags are required to use legal Minnow Seines or Minnow Traps.

7. Persons who have a freshwater commercial fishing license are allowed to fish crawfish traps as described herein.

8. Note that PN 3428 allows use of certain fishing equipment by persons with valid sport fishing licenses, or by persons exempt.

D. FRESHWATER COMMERCIAL FISHING GEAR.

1. TROTLINES:

a. Trotlines must have hooks at least 24 inches apart and tied so they cannot slip together.

b. No trotlines or throw lines shall exceed 1,000 feet.

c. A commercial fishing equipment tag purchased from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall be attached within 5 feet of one end of the mainline of each trotline.

d. Season is throughout the year.

e. Waters closed to the use of commercial trotlines are listed elsewhere in this rule.

2. SNAG LINES: There is no open season on the use of Snag lines.

3. HOOP NETS and BARREL NET:

a. Hoop or barrel nets shall be made of number 15 or bigger twine or cord and treated; the minimum mesh size shall be three (3) inch square measure.

b. Lead requirements: maximum of seven per license holder, up to 35 yards in length, three (3) inch square measure, number 15 twine or bigger and treated.

c. Hearts may be used only in the Mississippi River where it is a common boundary between Mississippi and another state (oxbow lakes included).

d. Hoop nets or barrel nets must be set at least 100 yards apart EXCEPT nets may be fished on each end of a lead, as such, this constitutes one set and each set must be 100 yards apart.

e. A commercial fishing equipment tag as described in section 3 shall be attached to the front hoop (opposite from catch area) on each net.

f. Persons with Mississippi resident commercial fishing licenses or pertinent license of border state fishing barrel nets and/or hoop nets in Mississippi waters, which are common boundaries between Mississippi and another state (oxbow lakes included), may use the same mesh size allowed in the other state; EXCEPT, leads, hearts and wings are prohibited in Mississippi waters when attached to barrel or hoop nets with minimum mesh of less than three (3) inches square measure.

g. Waters closed to fishing hoop nets are listed elsewhere in this rule.

4. SEINES: The use of seines is prohibited statewide, except for minnow seines as described elsewhere in this rule.

5. MINNOW SEINES, MINNOW TRAPS:

a. This equipment, as described below, can be used to harvest minnows, non-game fish, non-game gross fish, and bait. Note: that a commercial fishing license is not required to fish these items, but sale of fish authorized to be harvested by means of this equipment does require a commercial fishing license.

b. Minnow Seines: These seines must be no more than 25 feet in length and four (4) feet in depth. The use of minnow seines is prohibited in all public lakes in Mississippi and in all waters listed elsewhere in this rule.

c. Minnow Traps: Minnow traps or jars constructed of glass, plastic, nonmetallic or wire mesh not more than 32 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter having no wings or leads and having an entrance no larger than one inch in diameter may be used.

d. No minnows or non-game fish harvested from public waters may be taken outside the state for sale.

6. CRAWFISH TRAPS:

a. Crawfish Traps: any device constructed of coated wire with mesh no smaller than 3/4 inch by 11/16 inch and with the opening of the throat or flues not exceeding two inches and which is used for the sole purpose of taking crawfish.

b. Crawfish traps are typically of the pillow or pyramid style.

c. Crawfish traps must be tagged as described elsewhere in this rule.

7. TRAMMEL NETS and GILL NETS:

a. Gill nets and trammel nets of any material other than mono or multi filament twine are unlawful.

b. Nets must be set at least 100 yards apart and no nearer than 20 yards to piers. Maximum length shall be 3,000 feet.

c. Nets must have a minimum mesh of four (4) inches square measure.

d. A commercial fishing equipment tag as described in section 3 shall be attached to one end of the float line on each gill or trammel net.

e. Gill nets and trammel nets specified above maybe fished statewide. Exceptions appear elsewhere in this rule, where special permitting is addressed and in specified border waters.

f. Exception in Specified Border Line Waters:

i. A minimum of three (3) inch square mesh measure gill and trammel nets may be used in Pickwick Lake, the main channels of the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers along the MS/LA border, and in any streams, lakes, and portion of lakes, where the Mississippi/Louisiana state line occurs as depicted on the U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey quadrangle maps.

ii. A minimum of three and one half (3.5) inch mesh square measure gill and trammel nets may be used in all public waters between the main levees of the Mississippi River where it is the state line between Arkansas and Mississippi including the main channel of the Mississippi River.

iii. Waters closed to fishing trammel nets and gill nets are listed in the section for waters closed to commercial gear.

8. SLAT BASKETS are defined as commercial fishing devices used solely for the capture of catfish.

a. Season is throughout the year.

b. Pursuant the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, Section 49-7-9, ANY PERSON using a slat basket in Mississippi waters must have a valid slat basket license and a slat basket tag for each slat basket each year.

c. Only slat basket licenses and tags issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall be valid. Slat baskets fished in Mississippi waters shall:

i. Be made entirely of wood and/or plastic slats in a boxlike or cylindrical shape, not to exceed six (6) feet in length or fifteen (15) inches in width and height or diameter;

ii. Have no more than two (2) throats, have at least four (4) slot openings of a minimum one and one-half (1½) by twenty-four (24) inches evenly spaced around the sides of the catch area which must begin at the rear of the basket and run twenty-four (24) inches toward the throat end of the basket.

d. Slat baskets shall be placed at least one hundred (100) yards apart and may not be used with any form of leads, netting or guiding devices (Section 49-7-9).

e. Each slat basket shall have a metal slat basket tag purchased from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks which is attached to the front end of the basket.

f. Any violation of this subsection is a violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49- 7-9(7) and shall be a Class 1 violation, punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-141.

g. Slat baskets are legal statewide except in waters listed elsewhere in this rule.

h. Season is throughout the year.

E. TAGGING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Commercial Fishing Equipment Tags of blue aluminum are issued for use on commercial fishing equipment.

2. Reciprocal Commercial Fishing Equipment tags of gold aluminum are valid on commercial fishing equipment in Mississippi reciprocal agreement waters fished by Arkansas or Louisiana resident commercial fishermen.

3. Slat Basket tags of silver aluminum are to be attached in plain view on each slat basket.

4. All tags are engraved with the tag type and Miss Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Tags may be numbered or a space may be provided for users to engrave Customer Identification (ID) number. After June 30, 2013, Commercial Fishing Equipment, Reciprocal and Slat Basket tags must display the license holders’ Customer ID Number. No other tag number will be needed.

5. The recipient of the tag is responsible for engraving their Customer Identification Number on the front of the tag (side with MDWFP writing) in legible letters at least ¼” in height.

6. Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag, Reciprocal Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag and Slat Basket Tags do not expire and may be used as long as the Customer ID Number and MDWFP writing is legible. Once this information is unreadable, a new tag must be purchased from the MDWFP.

7. A Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag shall be attached to one end of the float line of gill or trammel nets; or on the front hoop of any hoop, barrel net; or within five (5) feet of one end of the main line of each trotline, except on border waters as defined below.

8. Each and every slat basket fished in Mississippi waters shall have a metal slat basket tag attached to the front end of the basket. Each, and every, slat basket shall have a valid Mississippi slat box license.

9. All commercial fishing equipment must be tagged on those border lakes and waters that are part of the reciprocal resident license agreements between Mississippi/Louisiana (PN 2358), and between Mississippi/Arkansas (PN 3672). The reciprocal agreements DO NOT give non-resident license holders authority to fish in border waters of a state of which they do not possess a license.

10. Gill nets, trammel nets, hoop nets and trotlines fished by RESIDENTS of Louisiana and Arkansas in Mississippi waters specified in those reciprocal agreements must either tag their commercial fishing equipment with the type of tag specified in the state where they are licensed or purchase a Mississippi Reciprocal commercial fishing equipment tag issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Persons with a Louisiana resident sportfishing or a basic fishing license using “recreational hoopnets” or any other commercial fishing equipment

11. Crawfish traps fished in public water shall be marked with a waterproof tag provided by the fishermen, with the name and MDWFP Customer Identification number legibly printed on the tag.

F. FISHING RESTRICTIONS

1. No person shall possess both sport and commercial gear when engaged in fishing or out on a water body.

2. It is unlawful to set any freshwater commercial fishing equipment within 100 yards of another piece of commercial fishing equipment (Section 49-7-81). Exception:

a. Hoop nets connected by a lead as defined above; and

b. Minnow traps, minnow seines, and crawfish traps.

3. It is unlawful to set any freshwater commercial fishing equipment so that it extends more than half way across any stream, channel, drain or other body of water (Section 49- 7-81). A guideline that does not impede navigation may be set.

4. Driving or attempting to drive fish (also known as whooping, whipping or striking) into any freshwater commercial fishing gear is permitted; however, it shall be unlawful to alter or destroy any natural or man-made structure in the process of fishing for non-game gross fish or non-native fish.

5. It shall be unlawful to raise or run, or tamper with, or take fish from any legal freshwater commercial fishing gear which is not licensed (identified by commercial fishing equipment tag) in your name without written permission of the owner of the gear.

6. Illegal gear, untagged gear and/or improperly tagged gear may be seized by conservation officers upon discovery.

G. HARVEST SIZE AND POSSESSION RESTRICTIONS

1. All game fish (Section 49-7-1) caught in freshwater commercial fishing equipment shall be returned to the water immediately (Section 49-7-83).

2. Persons with commercial fishing licenses can use bream/sunfish for bait on trotlines, as long as:

a. these fish were legally taken; and

b. the daily creel limit for these species (100 fish total) is not exceeded.

3. It is unlawful to commercially take, to offer for sale, or to possess non-game gross fish below the following total lengths and creel limits:

Species Total Length Dressed Length Creel Limit Buffalo 16 inches 12 inches None Flathead Catfish see A 16 inches 12 inches None Other Catfish see A 12 inches 9 inches None Alligator Gar Quota see 5.5 Sturgeon 0 Paddlefish Special regulations

4. On border waters with Tennessee and Alabama persons with commercial fishing licenses shall possess no more than one catfish (blue, channel, flathead) over 34 inches in length.

5. Total length is measured with a flatboard with the mouth of the fish closed and tail squeezed to give the maximum overall length.

6. The minimum length on dressed length shall not apply to fish processed at a facility that complies with Federal and State Health regulations. All fish sold on a rural or urban route or on display at a Commercial licensed fish market shall meet total or dressed length requirements as established

7. PADDLEFISH: Regulations for the commercial harvest of paddlefish are set forth elsewhere in this chapter. Paddlefish (live or dead) caught in commercial fishing equipment must be released immediately unless permitted for take as per the current version of these rules.

8. ALL MISSISSIPPI WATERS ARE CLOSED TO THE COMMERCIAL HARVEST OF ALL STURGEON SPECIES (Alabama shovelnose sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon, Pallid sturgeon and Shovelnose sturgeon).

9. An annual quota of 200 conservation size (CS) alligator gar is established for commercial harvest for any calendar year.

a. To possess a CS alligator gar caught in commercial fishing gear, or to sell a CS alligator gar, the CS alligator gar has to be tagged. Tags will be issued from the MDWFP headquarters in Jackson.

b. Tags will be issued at a rate of 5 per applicant per month until enough tags are issued to meet the quota. Any one applicant can only be issued 5 tags per month.

c. The harvest of CS alligator gar shall be recorded on forms supplied by MDWFP. These forms are to be submitted to MDWFP no later than January 15 of the following calendar year.

d. A conservation size alligator gar is defined as an alligator gar 16 inches or longer in length that has a short broad snout where the distance from the tip of the snout to the

28 corner of the mouth is less than the distance from the corner of the mouth to the posterior end of the operculum (or gill cover).

e. There shall be no quota on harvest of alligator gar less than 16 inches in length.

f. In addition there shall be no harvest of alligator gar of any size from the following waters: i. Bee Lake in Holmes County; and

ii. St. Catherine Creek watershed in Adams County.

10. Per Public Notice 3357 persons cannot take, possess, transport, export, process or sell any species on the Official State list of Endangered Species.

11. Per Public Notice 3201, Non-game wildlife or their parts taken from wild Mississippi populations may not be bought sold, offered for sale or exported for sale. Any resident who takes or possesses non-game wildlife, turtles, frogs and snakes must comply with licensing, permitting, harvest restrictions, and reporting requirements as established in current version of Public Notice 3201.

H. AREAS CLOSED TO COMMERCIAL GEAR

1. THE FOLLOWING AREAS SHALL BE CLOSED TO ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL FISHING GEAR, AND COMMERCIAL FISHING unless authorized by a separate rule on commercial fishing for paddlefish:

a. From the outlet works in the Coldwater River of Arkabutla Dam downstream to the Corps of Engineers cable crossing, a distance of approximately one-fourth mile.

b. In the Tallahatchie River and Barrow Lake below Sardis Dam from the outlet works downstream to U.S. Highway 51 bridge crossing of said river.

c. In the Yocona River from the outlet works of Enid Dam downstream to the U.S. Highway 51 bridge crossing of said river.

d. In the Yalobusha River from the outlet works of Grenada Dam downstream to south bound lane of the I-55 bridge crossing of said river.

e. In the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (TTW) south from Hwy. 25 (Scrugg’s Bridge) over the Yellow Creek embayment of Pickwick Lake in Tishomingo County and all impoundments (Divide Section Canal, Bay Springs Lake, Pools E, D, C, B, and A) to the confluence of the old Tombigbee River and the navigation channel at mile marker 366.3 in Aberdeen Lake southwest of Amory.

f. Columbus Lake, in Monroe County from the Aberdeen Lock and Dam downstream to Hwy 45 overpass, locally known as “Morgan’s Landing Boat Ramp”, including the river channel bendways.

g. Aliceville Lake, in Lowndes County from Columbus Lock & Dam downstream to Hwy 82 overpass at the junction of the navigation channel and the mouth of Luxapalila Creek, including the river channel bendways.

h. Ross Barnett Reservoir from the Main Dam upstream to Lowhead Dam near Ludlow, Mississippi.

i. Pearl River upstream from State Highway 15.

j. Pearl River below Ross Barnett Reservoir from the Spillway outlet to the City of Jackson’s Water Works Lowhead Dam.

k. All waters of Okatibbee Reservoir.

l. Muddy Bayou in Warren County from its mouth at Eagle Lake to the Muddy Bayou structure at Steele Bayou.

m. Moon Lake in Coahoma County including Phillip Bayou and Yazoo Pass in Coahoma County.

n. All State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes owned or leased by the Department.

o. The Yockanookany River System between Hwy. 35 and Hwy. 429.

p. All waters of Back Bay Biloxi north and west of a line extending across Back Bay Biloxi beginning at the Highway 90 bridge and all rivers, bayous, bays, streams, lakes, inlets, and other waters whatsoever connecting to said designated part of Back Bay Biloxi.

q. Red and Black Creeks and tributaries and water area beginning at the mouth of Dead Lake in Jackson County upstream to the origin of said creeks.

r. Any connected or non-connected oxbow lake or tributary stream of the Pascagoula River where the main channel of the Pascagoula River is bordered by the Upper Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the Lower Pascagoula River WMA or the Ward Bayou WMA.

s. All waters of Bay St. Louis which are north of the Highway 90 bridge and all rivers, bayous, bays, streams, lakes, inlets, and other waters whatsoever connected to said designated part of Bay St. Louis.

t. Bowie River and all associated oxbow lakes, tributaries and water areas upstream from its confluence with the Leaf River.

2. The following areas shall be closed to the use of hoop nets, barrel nets, gill nets or trammel nets but shall be open to trotlines and slat baskets:

a. Yocona River from the U.S. Highway 51 bridge crossing downstream to the Pope-Crowder Road Bridge.

b. Yalobusha River from south bound Interstate 55 bridge below Grenada Dam downstream to State Highway 8 and 35 bridge crossing.

c. Bull Mountain Creek from the confluence with the Tombigbee River to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.

d. Luxapalilia Creek from the confluence with the Tombigbee River to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.

e. Buttahatchie River from the confluence with the Tenn-Tom Waterway navigational channel to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.

3. Slat baskets are prohibited in the Old River Wildlife Management Area.

4. Commercial fishing with hoop or barrel nets shall be closed in the following rivers:

a. Pascagoula River from the Wade-Vancleave Bridge downstream to the Hwy 90 Bridge including Little River and the East and West Pascagoula Rivers and all water areas in between the East and West Pascagoula Rivers.

b. Escatawpa River south of Interstate 10.

5. From April 1 to Oct. 31, commercial fishing with gill or trammel nets shall be closed in the following rivers:

a. Bogue Chitto River from the confluence of the East and West Bogue Chitto Creeks west of Hartman, MS downstream to the Mississippi/LA state line.

b. Chickasawhay River from Hwy 11 bridge north of Enterprise, MS downstream to its confluence with the Pascagoula River.

c. Leaf River from I-59 bridge, west of Moselle, MS downstream to its confluence with the Pascagoula River.

d. Pascagoula River from its origin at the confluence of the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers north of Merrill, MS downstream to the Hwy 90 bridge. This includes the East and West Pascagoula Rivers and all water areas in between the two said rivers.

I. Special Permit

1. A special permit issued through the MDWFP Chief of Fisheries shall allow a person with a commercial fishing license to fish nets in specific waters identified in the permit.

2. The special permits shall only be issued for waters identified by the MDWFP Fisheries Bureau where control of aquatic nuisance species is needed.

3. Those persons issued the special permits shall report their harvest from the nets to MDWFP on forms supplied by MDWFP. Reports on the special permits shall be received by deadline set by MDWFP.

J. Reporting Commercial Fishing Catches

1. Any person required to purchase a commercial fishing license must report their catch and other activities on forms provided by Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks.

2. Exception: Persons who only

a. Raise nongame wildlife

b. Harvest common snapping turtles

3. Failure to submit reports or submitting reports with intentional false information is cause for a person to be denied the privilege to purchase a Commercial Fishing License till said discrepancy is corrected.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-3; 49-7-9; 49-7-12; 49-7-29; 49-7-69; 49-7- 81; 49-7-83; 49-7-87; 49-7-89; 49-7-90, 49-7-91, 49-15-77, and 51-3-1.

RULE 3.2 REGULATIONS REGARDING THE COMMERCIAL TAKING OF PADDLEFISH AND PADDLEFISH ROE. Public Notice F5 3798 is hereby amended.

A. The following rules, regulations and required licenses and permits relative to commercial harvest of paddlefish (spoonbill catfish) and possession of any paddlefish or bowfin roe are hereby adopted.

B. The following rules, regulations and required licenses and permits do not pertain to persons engaged in sport fishing.

C. Definitions

1. Paddlefish Harvester – Mississippi Resident that has a Paddlefish Harvester Permit that permits that person to fish for and take Paddlefish during Paddlefish Roe Harvest

Season from waters open to paddlefish harvest. Paddlefish Harvester must transport all harvested paddlefish to a person with either a Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter or Paddlefish Processor Permit for documentation of harvest, after which any sale and processing, including removal of roe, may take place.

2. Paddlefish Harvester Helper – Mississippi resident who assist in all types of Paddlefish Permit holders operations. Helpers cannot sell, resell or ship for sale Paddlefish or Paddlefish parts. All persons with harvested undocumented paddlefish in a boat on the water must have paddlefish permits, either a Paddlefish Harvester Permit or Paddlefish Helper Permit with at least one person in the boat having a Harvester Permit. A Person with a Paddlefish Helper Permit can, for a Paddlefish Harvester, transport by automobile or truck an undocumented paddlefish to a Buyer or Processor when that transport is accompanied by a Paddlefish Transaction Form that is signed by the Harvester and contains number of nets used, date of harvest, capture location and for the paddlefish possessed the tag number and paddlefish eye to fork length in inches. A Helper can also supervise the operation of a processing facility.

3. Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter – Persons who are permitted to buy, process, sell or ship Paddlefish roe, or bowfin roe. Buyer/Exporter is also permitted to buy paddlefish flesh and/or document the paddlefish harvest of person with a Paddlefish Harvester Permit

4. Paddlefish Processor - Persons who are permitted to buy, sell or ship Paddlefish roe with 60% of roe by weight purchased made into a retail product ready for consumption and packaged in a container that contains less than 1kilogram of paddlefish with label listing that the product is paddlefish roe or caviar and that the product is “Product of Mississippi, USA”. Processor is also permitted to buy paddlefish flesh and/or document the paddlefish harvest of person with a Paddlefish Harvester Permit. Paddlefish Processor is also permitted to buy, sell, or ship bowfin roe.

5. Documented Paddlefish – A paddlefish legally harvested by a Paddlefish Harvester that has been tagged, and the harvest location, Tag Number, eye fork length, egg-sac weight (if applicable) has been recorded by either a Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter or Paddlefish Processor on a signed Paddlefish Transaction Form. See item VII for further description

6. Paddlefish Net – Gear legal for the take of paddlefish during the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season, and described as such:

a. Net with mesh of 6 inch or larger, in square measure.

b. Net marked by a floating orange colored buoy that has Harvesters MDWFP # on buoy in black letters at least ¼ inch in height. Paddlefish net will have both the buoy and a Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag.

7. Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season – The months of September to April when paddlefish have roe that can be processed into caviar.

8. Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season - The months of May through August when paddlefish roe is not generally acceptable for producing caviar.

D. Licenses, Permits and Tag Fees:

1. Persons who take paddlefish during the Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season must have a commercial fishing license and Paddlefish Summer Tags to possess paddlefish.

2. During the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season, persons, who take paddlefish, sell paddlefish, buy paddlefish, ship paddlefish, or possess paddlefish roe, or bowfin roe, must have a commercial fishing license and one, or more, of the following permits:

Paddlefish/Roe Fish Permits and Tags Cost Resident Paddlefish Harvester Permit $750 Resident Paddlefish Harvester Helper Permit $100 Paddlefish tags (for each paddlefish harvested) $3 for 20 tags Paddlefish Processor Permit $1,000 Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter Permit $3,000

Prices listed do not include processing or agent fees .

E. Applications for Permits

1. Application for Paddlefish Harvester Permits will be accepted either from May 15 to May 30, or October 1 to October 15 for upcoming Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season.

2. Application must be submitted electronically through a Point of sale (POS) license terminal (anywhere that hunting/fishing licenses are sold).

3. Applicant must be 16 years of age and domiciled in Mississippi to apply for Paddlefish Harvester Permit.

4. A non-refundable application fee of $5, plus a processing fee will be charged. Only applications received during the aforementioned periods will be eligible. Only one application per person may be submitted.

5. All applicants will be notified by mail whether or not they are approved to purchase permits:

a. Those selected from the May application period must notify the MDWFP in writing, by September 15 that they are still interested in obtaining a Paddlefish Harvester Permit to remain eligible for the permit.

b. Those selected must attend a mandatory meeting to be held at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) North Mississippi Fish Hatchery in Enid Mississippi on a date specified in the mailing notification.

6. Applications for Buyer/Exporters or Processors permits or Helper Permit will be accepted during the application periods mentioned above and after October 15 until March 30 through the Fisheries Office in Jackson, Mississippi.

7. Purchase of paddlefish permits is contingent on the condition that permit applicants have not been convicted, within the last 3 years, of any violations of any state or federal fish and wildlife laws or regulations pertaining to the management of paddlefish nor have a fish/wildlife violation equivalent to a Class 1 Mississippi violation.

8. MDWFP reserves the right to limit the number of Resident Paddlefish Harvester Permits to 16. When requests exceed available permits selection will be by random drawing where preference will be given to those in good standing, who have purchased Paddlefish permits any previous year. Those who became eligible for Paddlefish Harvester Permits from either the May or October selection pool must purchase the Harvester Permit by November 22. After that date all selections are invalid and any remaining openings can be filled by random selection of applicants who attended the mandatory meeting.

9. Resident Paddlefish Harvester permits will expire April 10 following issuance of the permits. Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter permits, Paddlefish Processor Permit and Paddlefish tags will expire November 15 following issuance of the permits.

F. Paddlefish Harvest:

1. It shall be unlawful to possess a paddlefish without a MDWFP issued serial tag attached to the dorsal fin.

a. The tag will be attached at capture and remain on the fish until flesh is packaged for retail sale or final retail sale is made.

b. This includes the paddlefish allowed to commercial fishermen between the months of May thru August, except for licensed or permitted nonresidents fishing in reciprocal waters open to paddlefish harvest.

c. Items 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 below are valid during the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season.

2. It shall be unlawful for any person to fish for, take and/or sell paddlefish and their parts (eggs and/or flesh) during the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season without having a Mississippi Resident Commercial Fishing License and a Mississippi Resident Paddlefish Harvester Permit.

3. The immediate release of dead paddlefish does not constitute take, unless paddlefish were taken/released from nets that have not been attended at least once within the past 24 hour period.

4. During the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season it shall be unlawful to possess any paddlefish not taken from paddlefish nets as described in Section I. Be it further ordered that paddlefish nets must be attended at least once within any 24 hour period. Exception: Border waters open to paddlefish harvest, when the border state is also open to paddlefish harvest.

5. During the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season, Persons having a Paddlefish Harvester Permit must document any paddlefish catch with persons holding either a Mississippi Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter Permit or Paddlefish Processor Permit and can only sell/exchange roe to persons possessing either a Mississippi Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter Permit or Paddlefish Processor Permit.

6. It shall be unlawful to possess cut or mutilated paddlefish or exposed paddlefish roe or bowfin roe, while on the water. After landing, it is unlawful to possess exposed paddlefish or bowfin roe or cut or mutilate until the fish has been documented by a Mississippi Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter or Mississippi Processor.

a. Mutilation involves cutting, puncturing, tearing or disfiguring the body portion of fish in any way.

b. Paddlefish shall remain whole after capture and eggs shall remain entirely within the body cavity of the fish until the fish reach either a Mississippi Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter or Mississippi Paddlefish Processor. This includes all nonresident commercial fishermen in reciprocal waters.

c. Exceptions:

i. A 12-gauge needle inserted into the side of a paddlefish adjacent to the ovaries may be used to determine the presence of eggs.

ii. The snout forward of the eye may be removed for transport.

iii. The gill rakers inside the mouth can be cut to bleed the fish.

iv. Upon landing, paddlefish egg sacs from documented paddlefish can be removed by Buyer/Exporter or Processor and placed on ice for transport with the paddlefish to a processing facility.

v. While in transport the egg sacs from each fish are to be kept separate, identified by paddlefish tag number and weighed.

7. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, a paddlefish during the Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season without having a valid Mississippi Resident Commercial Fishing License and MS Summer Paddlefish Harvest Tags, issued by MDWFP, used to tag Paddlefish for possession. The immediate release of dead paddlefish does not constitute take.

8. It shall be unlawful for any person to take paddlefish and not report harvest to MDWFP on forms issued as specified.

G. Creel and Minimum length for commercial harvest of paddlefish

1. During the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season it shall be unlawful to harvest paddlefish less than 37 inches eye to fork length (front of eye to curvature in fork in tail) with paddlefish laid flat on a flat board.

2. Exceptions: On waters that border an adjacent state, during periods when both states have open seasons for commercial harvest of paddlefish, the minimum length limit will be the lower limit between the two states.

3. During the Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season, the creel limit shall be Five (5) paddlefish per day.

H. Handling of Paddlefish

1. Paddlefish shall be processed at a location that complies with Federal and State Health regulations. Refer to Section III in regards to transport of egg sacs.

2. Processing of paddlefish must be supervised by a person holding a paddlefish permit.

3. Paddlefish flesh documented on a Paddlefish Transaction Form by either a holder of a valid Buyer/Exporter Permit or Processor Permit may be retained by anyone for sale, consumption, donation, or disposal. Disposal is pursuant to regulations of Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. A copy of the Paddlefish Transaction Form that documents the harvest shall accompany paddlefish.

4. Personnel of the MDWFP will be allowed to inspect processing facilities and transport vehicle/boats, and record biological data on harvested paddlefish.

5. It shall be unlawful to store any fish roe in wholesale or bulk containers that are not identified by a label on the container that identifies the roe as to species and the container is identified by the tag number(s) of the fish from which the roe was taken. There shall be no possession of roe from paddlefish harvested during the Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season.

I. Sale of Paddlefish and Paddlefish Parts 1. During the Roe Harvest Season- It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, buy, sell, or ship across the Mississippi state line whole paddlefish, paddlefish parts, paddlefish eggs or bowfin roe without proper permits and a Documented Paddlefish Transaction Form with the product. 2. Persons with Paddlefish Harvester Permit can transport within Mississippi legally harvested and tagged paddlefish to a person with either a Paddlefish Buyer/ Exporter Permit or Paddlefish Processor Permit for documentation of catch.

3. Exceptions: a. Persons who have purchased paddlefish flesh or processed and packaged paddlefish eggs for consumption. b. Restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, retail fish markets, and wholesale food suppliers selling paddlefish roe or paddlefish parts fully processed, packaged and ready for retail sale in sealed container. c. Commercial shipping firms or authorized agents may possess legally taken paddlefish and/or paddlefish eggs or flesh shipped by persons having a Mississippi Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter or Processor Permit.

d. Permitted harvesters accessing reciprocal border waters from the respective border state may TRANSPORT their catch into/ through Mississippi, but no other rights are granted that are not specified herein. 4. During the Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season: Paddlefish flesh may be sold or possessed for sale or consumption by any person. A copy of the Paddlefish Transaction Form shall accompany the fish(s) and the tag shall remain on the fish until processed and packaged for retail sale. Tag number of paddlefish must be noted on packaging.

5. Note that this does not nullify the need for a commercial fishing license as required to sell non-game gross fish for item 1 & 2.

J. Reporting Requirements for Harvest, Sale and Shipping

1. Paddlefish Transaction Form.

a. The harvest of any Paddlefish must be documented on a Paddlefish Transaction Form, prior to, or at the time, any sale, and exchange or processing of the fish.

b. The Paddlefish Transaction Form will contain the tag number, paddlefish eye to fork length in inches, number of nets used, date of harvest, capture location, presence or absence of eggs, and during Roe Harvest Season, if egg sacs are removed in the field, the weight of raw egg sacks recorded on the provided form with form signed by the Harvester and Buyer/Exporter or Processor.

c. Upon processing the processed weight of eggs, distribution of roe, and distribution of flesh, shall be recorded.

d. Harvester and Buyer shall retain a copy of each Paddlefish Transaction Form and the Harvester shall submit the original to the MDWFP on a monthly basis by the 15th of the month following the month of harvest.

e. The Buyer/Exporter or Processor is required by the end of the day to submit an electronic copy by internet, or legible fax copy to the MDWFP. If no paddlefish were harvested or handled in a month a Paddlefish Transaction Form must still be submitted.

f. The sale of bowfin roe must also be documented on a Paddlefish Transaction Form, on a separate form from any documentation of paddlefish, with “Paddlefish” in the form title crossed out and “Bowfin” written in its place. Total length shall be recorded in place of EF length.

g. During the Summer Paddlefish Harvest Season the harvest of paddlefish shall be recorded on forms supplied by MDWFP. These forms are to be submitted to MDWFP no later than September 15.

2. Monthly Processor Form

a. Processor will submit a form each month stating the pounds of roe processed as a retail product.

b. The Monthly Processor Form will be submitted by the 15th of the month following the month of the report.

c. Paddlefish Harvester Permit holders and Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter Permit holders will retain a copy of all completed forms for a period of three years and make them available upon request by the MDWFP.

K. Paddlefish Roe Harvest Areas and Seasons

1. During the Paddlefish Roe Harvest Season it shall be unlawful to take Paddlefish from half hour after sunset to half hour before sunrise and to take paddlefish from any waters except the following zones listed within the specified seasons as stated:

a. Mississippi River Zone: Paddlefish Harvest on border waters with Arkansas along the Mississippi River.

i. Description of open waters for Mississippi River Zone: Mississippi River from the Tennessee - Mississippi state line south to a point due west of the Corregidor Light near Mile marker 507, including all waters within the mainline levees of the Mississippi River in Desoto, Tunica, Coahoma, Bolivar and Washington Counties.

ii. The Paddlefish Season for the Mississippi River Zone will be from November 20 – March 31.

b. Mississippi Delta Zone: Paddlefish Harvest in the following areas:

i. In all public waters of Tunica County and Quitman County. In Tallahatchie Co., all public waters north of Highway 32.

ii. The Paddlefish harvest season for the Mississippi Delta Zone will be split between December 1 to December 20 and from February 1 to February 28.

c. Sunflower River Zone: Paddlefish Harvest on the Sunflower River and Steele Bayou.

i. In all public waters of Sharkey County and Issaquena County that are within the mainline levee of the Mississippi River and the backwater levee of the Yazoo River, and the following channels - the Sunflower River along the Washington-Humphreys County line south of Jordan Landing Boat Ramp at Murphy, the Holly Bluff Cutoff, the Sunflower Diversion Canal within Warren County, and the Steele Bayou in Warren County.

ii. The Paddlefish Season for the Sunflower River Zone is open from January 1 to February 28.

d. Yazoo River Zone: Paddlefish Harvest on lower section of Yazoo River and Lake George.

i. In public waters of the main channel of the Yazoo River from the outlet of Wasp Lake in Humphreys County to northern outlet of Centennial Lake (Warren County/ Madison Parrish), that includes any lakes or stream adjacent (within 200 yards) to the main channel and including the following waters:

(a) Eastern half of Lake George, along with the Lake George Diversion canal;

(b) The abandoned channel of the Big Sunflower River east of and including the Will Whittington Lower Auxiliary Channel to the Route 433/Satartia Road Bridge;

(d) Parker Bayou/ Black Creek (Holmes County) that lies west of US Highway 49E;

(e) Tchula Lake from junction of outlet of Bee Lake to Yazoo River; (f) Waters of Warren County that are north of Kings Point/Kings Point Ferry Road, East of the eastern most point of the Louisiana border in Paw Paw Island Chute, south of the Yazoo Backwater Levee, and west of Route 3;

(g) Steele Bayou south of the Steele Bayou Control Structure.

ii. Harvesters are allowed to access the zone via boat from Public Boat Ramp on Yazoo River in Vicksburg.

iii. The Paddlefish Season for the Yazoo River Zone is open from December 1 – January 31.

2. During the paddlefish roe harvest season, for any open Zone the harvest of paddlefish from streams not part of a public waterway or from lakes without public access shall require that the harvester obtain from a riparian landowner written permission to cross their property for access to that body of water.

L. Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season

1. During the Paddlefish Summer Harvest Season it shall be unlawful to take paddlefish from any waters not open to commercial fishing as listed in current version of Public Notice 2999 and the following waters:

a. Any waters part of, or tributaries to the Tennessee River, Tombigbee River or the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

b. Any waters part of, or tributaries in the Pascagoula River watershed.

M. Bowfin Roe Possession

1. Bowfin can be taken by persons with Commercial Fishing Licenses; No other permits are needed.

2. It shall be unlawful to possess exposed bowfin roe, while on the water. Be it further ordered that, after landing, it is unlawful to possess exposed bowfin roe until the fish has

40 been documented by Mississippi Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter or Mississippi Processor. This includes all nonresident commercial fishermen in reciprocal waters.

3. See section J., for reporting requirements.

N. Penalty for Violations

1. Violation of any of the Mississippi state laws or state regulations pertaining to paddlefish will be considered a Class I offense as specified in MISS. CODE ANN. §Section 49-7- 90, and punishable as per the provisions of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-141.

2. Failure to submit or the falsification of any required paddlefish information to the MDWFP on the specified forms by the specified time or date will result in the revocation of Paddlefish Harvester, Paddlefish Buyer/Exporter and Paddlefish Processor Permits.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-90.

Rule 3.3 COMMERCIAL HARVEST OF MUSSELS PROHIBITED. Public Notice 3361 is hereby amended.

A. For the purpose of this Rule, "Mussel" means and embraces the pearly freshwater mussel, clam or naiad and the shell thereof.

B. Be it ordered that all waters in the State of Mississippi are closed to commercial harvest of mussels.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-9-1 through 49-9-17.